Donation for Kiwi scholars

Philanthropist and Hawke's Bay property owner Julian Robertson has helped secure the future of the Rhodes Scholarships for New Zealand through a $14.4 million donation.

The funds would sustain the three existing New Zealand Scholarships now to be known as The Rhodes Scholarships for New Zealand; A Partnership between the Rhodes Trust and the Robertson Foundation.

The three scholars-elect, which this year included former Havelock North High School student Louis Chambers, who studies at the University of Otago, will continue to be known as Rhodes Scholars.

The donation was the largest philanthropic gift that the Rhodes Trust had received since fundraising efforts started in 2010.

The Robertson Foundation is a New York-based private foundation established in 1996 by Tiger Management founder Julian H. Robertson, junior, his late wife, Josie, and their family. It makes high-impact grants in three principal areas: education; environment; and medical research. Leadership development is central to the foundation's grant-making strategy. Mr Robertson has a deep commitment to New Zealand and, in 2010, was appointed Honorary Knight Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for services to business and philanthropy.

The owner of The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, who recently sold Te Awa Winery to Villa Maria, said the partnership reflected a shared focus on nurturing the next generation of leaders. "It is important to me that exceptionally talented young New Zealanders will continue to benefit from the transformative experience of a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford," Mr Robertson said. "The foundation is delighted to help secure that opportunity for them.'